Sunderland failed to make the most of that start, however, and they allowed West Brom to take control as the first period wore on.

Gus Poyet was unhappy at the soft penalty decision that let the Baggies back into the game, though – and rightly so, because Victor Anichebe needed no encouragement to hit the deck after the slightest of nudges from Valentin Roberge.

But Sunderland improved markedly after half-time and they got on top in the second period.

A moment’s lapse in concentration from debutant Patrick van Aanholt allowed Saido Berahino to put West Brom in front, and at that point Sunderland were up against it.

Yet they responded in the right manner, and deservedly got back on terms through the excellent Seb Larsson.

All in all, it was a solid start from an opening day game that was trickier than it looked, against a West Brom team with a new manager and a rebuilt squad.

This was a much better West Brom team than the one Sunderland swept aside at the Stadium of Light in May to secure Premier League survival.

Sunderland will face much tougher tests ahead – starting next weekend against a wounded Manchester United – but after this game, Poyet will feel that he has something to work with and that his team is heading in the right direction.